For people who are about to get embroiled in a divorce, the usual expectation is that it’s going to get messy along the way. And no doubt about it, the early stages of it all are the most stressful. What’s even more difficult is that it is within these early stages that you’re going to need to make the most crucial decisions. One of those critical decisions you are to make is hiring a divorce lawyer.

Just to be clear, the one thing you need to avoid is ending up with a lawyer who is incapable of representing you and your interests, whether it is in court or outside of it through settlement. If you know someone who underwent a messy divorce in the past, they probably will tell you that they had to change lawyers in the middle of the process just because it didn’t work out the first time.

You do have to understand that not all divorces or separations will need the expertise and assistance of a lawyer. Hence, it is imperative that you know as early as possible if you really are in need of a divorce lawyer. The main reason it is important to figure the need early is for you to avoid hiring one out of desperation. It’s never a good idea to hire out of desperation because you likely will get the services of someone who is unfit to represent you.

If you happen to have zero prospects, the best way to get names is by asking for recommendations from the people you trust, say your friends, coworkers, and family. Although you always can Google them, a trusted person’s recommendation should still carry more weight. There’s a good chance they had a satisfying experience with the same lawyer and they won’t recommend them if they don’t think the lawyer can help you.

You shouldn’t be hiring just any lawyer. Because divorce is a highly complex and confusing process, you need someone who is an expert in family and divorce law; someone who knows everything about the law at the back of his head. It also is quite certain that the other party will be hiring a good divorce lawyer as well.

The moment you obtain several names, it’s time to ask them some relevant questions one by one. As a matter of fact, it is recommended that you come up with a list of questions and bring it during the initial consultation.

Lastly, choose the lawyer who your instinct tells you to hire, but do give serious consideration to someone who has years of experience in practicing family law.